The Rise of BlueAnon: How the Democrats Became a Party of Conspiracy Theorists

by David Harsanyi

Republicans are often derided as a party of conspiracy theorists. But what if the Left’s conspiratorial thinking is even more unhinged?

Virtually all mainstream media experts, pundits, and late-night talk-show hosts claim that conservatives are a bunch of unhinged conspiracy theorists. Entire teams of journalists take deep dives into the creepy underbelly of the conservative Internet to root out the latest right-wing nuttery, giving fringe voices far more attention than they could ever find otherwise.

There’s just one big It’s not just Republicans who get caught up in conspiracy theories.

In The Rise of BlueAnon, David Harsanyi argues that the American Left has been consumed by conspiratorial thinking. From the claims that we’re only an election away from living in The Handmaid’s Tale, to panic that the world will end in 12 years from a climate catastrophe, Democrats have been plagued with unfounded fears and theories. As for election denial, Democrats have been accusing Republicans of stealing elections since Reagan defeated Carter. And it is Democrats who have spread the most successful conspiracy theory in American The Trump-Russia collusion myth.

This book doesn’t argue that Republicans, conservatives, or right-wing populists are immune from conspiratorial thinking. But it does show that Democrats aren’t immune either. And unlike those on the Right, conspiracy theories on the Left are rarely kept in check by mainstream institutions. This book endeavors to provide that accountability.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Stetson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally agree with the sentiment that the "paranoid style of American politics" is not the sole or even primary purview of the Republican party. I think the criticism levied at various Democrats in this book is quite legitimate and has often been indulged or overlooked by journalists who should serve as a check on power regardless of the party in control of the government. Harsanyi also dedicates a lot of this polemic to criticizing journalistic malpractice. However, I think this would be a more useful and persuasive look if it examined the issues raised (conspiracism in political rhetoric, whether the actions of modern political parties are consistent with inherited political norms, journalistic ethics, etc).

This work is meant as an antidote to what's perceived as a hegemonic (cultural) opposition. This appears to be changing, which makes this work more appropriate for the 2010s and even more the 2000s rather than the 2020s. Currently, I tend to be bored by attempts to litigate which political party or political culture has behaved the worst in our epoch. I think we are largely getting the behavior that has been incentivised. This doesn't mean admonishments are not required. We should just dole them out with equanimity.

Harsanyi's tone is fairly moderate and so far as I can tell his presentation is honest, but I can see it's often an analysis of convenience or without the historical and cultural context that would help justify why the cards have fallen the way they have. It is also not a work that will persuade partisans unless they're actually open to reflection and change course when shamed. Expecting this is foolish in the information and cultural environment of the 21st century. This ends up as a work of fan service rather a polemic that could persuade or truly defenestrate its target.

[JustEvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, but frightening book. Well written and well researched like all Harsanyi's other books.
Highly recommended for anyone on the fence or who has recently found themselves at odds with the left.

[Jay Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utter drivel

[Daniel Gullotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given how much attention is paid to the cranks and conspiracies of the Republican Party, The Rise of BlueAnon offers a solid counterweight. While Harsanyi’s argument is undeniably partisan, his tone remains largely professional, and the book raises serious critiques that honest liberals could read—and wince at—in a reflective way. The most damning chapter focuses on election denialism from the left, particularly regarding the Bush years. Other interesting chapters examine antisemitism within elements of the Democratic Party and the selective outrage over money in politics and billionaire influence, issues that seem to provoke moral panic only when associated with the right. A recurring theme throughout is the double standard at play: Democrats often condemn conspiracy theories and populist suspicion when it comes from conservatives, yet indulge or excuse nearly identical behavior on their own side. It doesn’t redeem the GOP, in fact, it may leave readers feeling even more disillusioned with both major parties. But it’s a worthwhile reminder that conspiratorial thinking and political double standards are hardly exclusive to the right.

[Dal10 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, so you are bitter about how crazy the Q-Anon crowd actually is? I'm literally for liberal conspiracy theories, seeing as how easily the right is controlled by insane trash, sounds like a great plan, except whenever something on the left insane and cool comes up, they all just say "well that’s BS" and move on, so I guess that's how eduicated people deal with conspriicay theories.
The authors proofs are a sham, yeah you can find some hippies to say what you want, but those are not party representatives, those are not serious people, those are not the main stream voters on the left, and I'd say that I could find crazy right wing voters too, but you've elected them to congress, they have an office I can contact. Those are the people you have chosen to represent you; may you be judged by them.

[Andrew Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection and analysis of the facts and data showing that in today's world, it's actually the Democrats, and their controlled establishment institutions, who are the anti-science, anti-logic, anti-common sense "conspiracy theorists". The polling shows it. The evidence shows it. And this book does an excellent job of laying out the case, providing us with a wealth of information to share the next time a TDS-suffering member of the Dem cult accosts us with their insufferable psychological projection.

[Zaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Elections 2024 was very peculiar...why did 20 million votes disappear this past November 2024? Where did they go? Did #MAGAcult takeover USPS? Did they burn or delete all the ballots? Did Elon Musk break the computer electronic ballots? What the hell went on?

This is turning into "The Rise of BlueAnon", completely a different movement from #MAGAcult (QAnon conspiracy theorists)

This book provides more details.

[Tripti Mathur Mehra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Rise of BlueAnon is a bold takedown of left-wing conspiracy thinking, arguing that Democrats, not Republicans, are more often driven by paranoia and projection. The author exposes how media and elites overlook the Left’s delusions—from Trump-Russia hysteria to climate panic—while branding only the Right as conspiratorial.

[Drake Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thesis is interesting. But the execution is on the weaker end than I’d like. There’s so much jumping around from idea to idea and lists of “here’s actual news headlines” without engaging with the underlying thought. There’s also the big issue with assuming that because politicians and news writers think X, therefore the democratic base thinks X.

The book needed more time in the oven.

[Lottie C · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️

I don’t disagree with that the Democrats are much better than Republicans/MAGA, and I do agree that the problems which created MAGA in the first place also happen to the Dems (dis/misinformation, echo chambers, etc), but the arguments and examples used were extremely biased and therefore completely ineffective

[Claire Hawksley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for all Democrats!

Loved the book. All Democrats should read it. Maybe it will wake some of them up! If not, it might get them to see things from a different perspective.

[Sue Dounim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish. This book certainly hasn't aged well since 1/20/2025.

[Sergio Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, well researched read. Every side has their cranks and weirdos who believe stupid things, regardless of how much some people urge you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears.